Device for Optimized Exercise Training of a Diabetic

ABSTRACT

A system is disclosed for optimizing exercise training of a diabetic exerciser. Computer software accepts physical status data and, in preferred embodiments, information regarding available exercise equipment, and formulates therefrom an optimized diet and exercise program, which is downloaded to an MP3 player or similar portable electronic device. The portable device directs the exerciser during workouts, while communicating with a blood glucose monitor and preferably with a heart rate monitor so as to monitor the exerciser&#39;s blood glucose level and heart rate during exercise, and warn the exerciser if the blood glucose level exceeds specified bounds. The portable device records a log of physiological data, exercise performed, and food consumed, for later upload to the computer and possible transmission to a healthcare provider. Preferred embodiments include only software. Other embodiments include a portable device, blood glucose monitor, heart rate monitor, or communications enabler.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to exercise training, and morespecifically to exercise training of diabetic exercisers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise is generally known to have many benefits for individuals of allages. These benefits include improved cardiovascular health, reducedblood pressure, prevention of bone and muscle loss, maintenance of ahealthy weight, improved psychological heath, and many others.

For exercisers who are diabetic, the benefits are even greater. Regularexercise can help the body respond to insulin, and is known to beeffective in managing blood glucose, thereby reducing or eveneliminating the need for medication. Exercise can also improvecirculation, especially in the arms and legs where diabetics oftenexperience circulatory and other difficulties.

However, vigorous exercise can cause special problems, and can even bedangerous, for people with diabetes, since exercise can cause bloodsugar levels to fluctuate significantly. So as to avoid these dangers,diabetics must carefully monitor their blood glucose level, and theymust pay close attention to what they eat, both before, during, andafter an exercise session. These concerns can cause diabetics to reducetheir amount of exercise. Also, by eating too many snacks, or snacks ofthe wrong kind, in an effort to restore blood glucose levels, diabeticexercisers can undo some or all of the benefit they would otherwisederive from exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is claimed for optimizing the exercise training of a diabeticexerciser, so as to provide maximum exercise benefits while avoiding thespecial, exercise-related health risks faced by diabetic exercisers. Theclaimed system includes software operable on a computer and softwareoperable on a portable electronic device, such as a conventional MP3player, that is able to communicate with the computer and with a bloodglucose monitor worn by the exerciser. The computer software is able toaccept input data allowing it to evaluate the fitness level of anexerciser. It is also able to accept information regarding gymmemberships and other exercise opportunities that are available to anexerciser, and determine therefrom an optimized diet and exerciseprogram for the exerciser. The portable electronic device can thenobtain the optimized exercise program from the computer and direct theexerciser in carrying out the optimized exercise program, while at thesame time monitoring the blood glucose level of the exerciser duringeach exercise session and, in preferred embodiments, warning theexerciser if his or her blood glucose level fluctuates beyond aspecified range.

In various embodiments, the portable electronic device can also monitorand report the exerciser's heart rate, and can record blood glucoselevels and heart rates during exercise for later upload to the computer,where a workout log is maintained. In some embodiments, the workout logcan be printed, emailed, or otherwise supplied to a health careprovider. In other embodiments, the computer is able to accept inputdata regarding what food the exerciser has eaten and when, and to makedietary suggestions that will enable the exerciser to maintain morestable blood glucose levels both during and after exercise. In someembodiments, the software can also enable the computer to obtainadditional help and support for the exerciser by communicating with ahealth care provider or fitness expert, either in a real-time formatsuch as a chat session or by message-response communication such asemail.

The invention is a system for optimizing exercise training of a diabeticexerciser. The system includes media containing computer software thatis able to direct the actions of a computer so as to cause the computerto accept input data regarding a physical status of the exerciser anddetermine therefrom an optimized exercise program for the exerciser. Thesystem also includes media containing portable device software that isable to direct the actions of a portable electronic device, the portableelectronic device being in communication with the computer and with ablood glucose monitor, the portable device software being able to causethe portable electronic device to obtain the optimized exercise programfrom the computer, and direct the exerciser in carrying out theoptimized exercise program while the portable electronic device monitorsthe blood glucose level of the exerciser and presents to the exerciserinformation pertaining thereto.

In preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is an MP3player, a personal digital assistant, a blood glucose monitor, ahand-held computer, and/or a laptop computer.

In certain preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is ableto communicate with a heart rate monitor while the exerciser isexercising, and the portable device software is able to direct theportable electronic device to monitor the heart rate of the exerciserwhile the exerciser is exercising and present to the exerciserinformation pertaining thereto.

In some preferred embodiments, the system further includes a computer, aportable electronic device, a blood glucose monitor, a heart ratemonitor, and/or a communication enabler that enables communicationbetween the portable electronic device and at least one of a bloodglucose monitor and a heart rate monitor.

In various preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is ableto present information to the exerciser at least one of audibly andvisually. In other preferred embodiments, the input data regarding thephysical status of the exerciser includes at least one of age, gender,height, and weight.

In preferred embodiments the computer software is able to direct thecomputer to accept input data pertaining to exercises performed by theexerciser, and to determine therefrom a current fitness level of theexerciser. In some of these embodiments determining the current fitnesslevel of the exerciser includes using a one-rep-max fitness calculator.

In certain preferred embodiments the computer software is able to directthe computer to accept input data specifying exercise equipmentavailable to the exerciser, and to determine an exercise program thatmakes optimal use of the available exercise equipment. In some preferredembodiments, during an exercise session, the portable device software isable to direct the portable electronic device to play music to theexerciser, report the exerciser's heart rate to the exerciser, reportthe exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser, report to theexerciser blood glucose parameters, report to the exerciser a total ofcalories burned during the exercise session, and/or report to theexerciser workout information indicating types and quantities ofexercises performed.

In other preferred embodiments, the portable device software is able todirect the portable electronic device to warn the exerciser if theexerciser's blood glucose level is not within a specified range.

In preferred embodiments, the portable device software is able to directthe portable electronic device to record data obtained during theexercise session and communicate the data to the computer. In some ofthese preferred embodiments the data recorded during the exercisesession include the exerciser's heart rate, the exerciser's bloodglucose level, a total of calories burned, and workout informationindicating types and quantities of exercises performed. In other ofthese embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computerto create and maintain a workout log in which at least some datarecorded during an exercise session are recorded. In still other ofthese embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computerto accept nutrition data regarding the exerciser's intake of nutrientsat times associated with an exercise session and using the nutritiondata and data recorded during the exercise session, suggest changes toat least one of an exercise program and a recommended diet for theexerciser. And In various of these preferred embodiments the computersoftware is able to direct the computer to communicate at least some ofthe data recorded during the exercise session to a healthcare provider.

In preferred embodiments the computer software is able to direct thecomputer to communicate with an advising professional that is at leastone of a healthcare provider and a physical training professional. Insome of these embodiments the computer software is able to direct thecomputer to transmit information regarding the exerciser to the advisingprofessional, transmit information regarding the optimized exerciseprogram to the advising professional, transmit data recorded during anexercise session to the advising professional, receive input from theadvising professional regarding at least one of suggested diet changesand suggested exercise changes, and modify at least one of exercisesuggestions and dietary suggestions according to input received from theadvising professional.

In various preferred embodiments the portable electronic device includesthe computer. And in other preferred embodiments the portable electronicdevice includes the blood glucose monitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detaileddescription, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the portableelectronic device is a conventional MP3 player, showing an exercisersupplying data to a computer controlled by the software of the presentinvention, the computer communicating with the MP3 player, and the MP3player being in communication with a blood glucose monitor and a pair ofheadphones;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, showing theMP3 player obtaining an optimized exercise program from the computer,the optimized exercise program having been determined by the software;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, showing theexerciser engaged in an exercise session with the MP3 player secured toan arm of the exerciser, the blood glucose monitor being attached to theexerciser and in wired communication with the MP3 player;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 1A, butalso including a heart rate monitor that is attached to the exerciserand in wireless communication with the MP3 player;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 1A,except that the computer is a portable computer that serves as both thecomputer and the portable electronic device;

FIG. 2C is a close-up view showing the exerciser engaged in an exercisesession with the portable computer sitting nearby and in wirelesscommunication with a blood glucose monitor attached to the exerciser;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the portableelectronic device includes the functionality of a computer and of ablood glucose monitor, showing an exerciser supplying data to theelectronic device;

FIG. 2E is a close-up view showing the exerciser engaged in an exercisesession while wearing the portable computing device of FIG. 2D in wiredcommunication with a blood glucose sensor attached to the exerciser;

FIG. 2F is a close-up view of an MP3 player similar to the MP3 player ofFIG. 2A, showing a blood glucose level and a heart rate being displayed,and showing an adaptor attached to the computer interface port so as toenable wired connection of both a blood glucose monitor and a heart ratemonitor to the computer interface port;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A, showing thecomputer obtaining from the MP3 player heart rates and blood glucoselevels recorded during the exercise session;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, showing therecorded heart rates and blood glucose levels being printed at adoctor's office after having been emailed from the patient's computer tothe doctor's computer; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a computer controlled by the software of the present inventionenabling a diabetic exerciser to communicate with a physical trainingprofessional using a real-time video chat session.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1A, the present invention is a system 100 foroptimizing fitness training of a diabetic exerciser 102. The system 100includes computer software that is able to direct the actions of acomputer 104, and portable device software that is able to direct theactions of a portable electronic device 106, the electronic device beingin communication with the computer 104 and with a blood glucose monitor108. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the portable electronic device is aconventional MP3 player. In similar embodiments, the system includes acustom portable electronic device 106, a custom blood glucose monitor108, a custom heart rate monitor (item 202 of FIG. 2A, discussed in moredetail below), and/or an adaptor that enables wired connection of ablood glucose monitor 108 and/or a heart rate monitor 202 to thecomputer interface port 107 of a conventional MP3 player 106. In theembodiment of FIG. 1A, the blood glucose monitor 108 includes a cable109 that allows it to connect to the computer interface port 107 of theMP3 player 106.

Data 110 characterizing the physical status of the exerciser 102 issupplied to the computer 104, including basic statistics such as theage, gender, height and weight of the exerciser 102. In someembodiments, the computer software can direct the exerciser 102 toperform benchmark exercises, such as “one-rep-max” exercises, andprovide the results to the computer 104 so as to further characterizethe fitness level of the exerciser 102. The input data 110 can furtherinclude information regarding gym memberships and other exerciseequipment and exercise opportunities that are available to theexerciser. The computer software is then able to determine an optimizedexercise program for the exerciser 102.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the portable electronic device 106 is aconventional MP3 player that is able to store music and by play it tothe exerciser 102 through a set of conventional headphones 112. The MP3player 106 is also able to communicate with the exerciser 102 using theheadphones 112 and/or by displaying information on a visual display 114so as to direct the exerciser 102 in carrying out an exercise program,and so as to warn the exerciser 102 if the exerciser's blood glucoselevel exceeds a specified range.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment 100 of FIG.1A, showing an optimized exercise program being transferred from thecomputer 104 to the MP3 player 106.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the exerciser 102 carrying out anoptimized exercise program on an exercise apparatus 116 that isavailable to the exerciser 102 due to membership at a gym. The MP3player 106 is secured to an arm 118 of the exerciser 102, and is inwired communication with the blood glucose monitor 108 worn by theexerciser 102 near her wrist. During the exercise session, the MP3player 106 displays the blood glucose level of the exerciser 102 on itsvisual display 114, and transmits an alarm tone to the exerciser 102through the headphones 112 if the exerciser's blood glucose levelfluctuates outside of a specified range. In similar embodiments, the MP3player reports the exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser 102,and/or reports blood glucose parameters such as an average of the bloodglucose level during an exercise session, a block-average of the bloodglucose level, a maximum and/or minimum blood glucose level recordedduring the exercise session, and such like.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment 200 similar to theembodiment 100 of FIG. 1A, except that the MP3 player 106 is in wirelesscommunication with a heart rate monitor 202, in addition to being inwired communication with the blood glucose monitor 108. The MP3 player106 simultaneously records the blood glucose level and heart rate of theexerciser 102 during the exercise session, while also playing music tothe exerciser 102 through the headphones 112. The MP3 player 202 alsoreports a total of the calories burned during the exercise session. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2A the MP3 player 106 further records workoutinformation indicating types and quantities of exercises completed, forlater upload to the computer 104.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which theportable electronic device is a portable computer 204. In FIG. 2B, theexerciser 102 is entering information into the portable computer 204which is then used by the software of the present invention to determinean optimized exercise program. As is illustrated in FIG. 2C, theexerciser then brings the portable computer 204 to an exercise location,where it directs the exerciser 102 in carrying out the exercise program,while at the same time communicating wirelessly with a blood glucosemonitor 108 so as to display and record the exerciser's blood glucoselevel.

FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which theportable electronic device 206 is both a handheld portable computer anda blood glucose meter in wired communication with a blood glucose sensor208. As shown in FIG. 2D, the exerciser 102 enters information into theportable electronic device 206 using a stylus 210. The information isused by the software of the present invention to determine an optimizedexercise program. As is illustrated in FIG. 2E, the exerciser thenbrings the portable electronic device 206 to an exercise location, andwears the device 206 while exercising. During the exercise session, theportable electronic device 206 directs the exerciser 102 in carrying outthe exercise program, while at the same time monitoring and recordingthe exerciser's blood glucose level using the wired remote sensor 208.In similar embodiments, the remote electronic device 206 includes abuilt-in sensor that makes contact with the exerciser 102 when theremote electronic device 206 is worn by the exerciser 102.

FIG. 2F is a close-up view of an MP3 player 106 similar to the MP3player of FIG. 2A, showing the blood glucose level and heart rate of theexerciser 210 displayed during the exercise session on the display 114of the MP3 player 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, an adaptor 212functions as a communications enabler that is used to enablesimultaneous wired attachment of both a blood glucose monitor 214 and aheart rate monitor 216 to the computer interface port 107 of the MP3player 106.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing uploading to the computer 104 ofdata recorded by the MP3 player 106 during an exercise session. Inpreferred embodiments, the data can include a log of exercises performedand a recording of the exerciser's blood glucose level and heart rateduring the session. The data can also include details regarding anysnacks or other food eaten before, during, and/or after the exercisesession. The computer software is then able to suggest changes to theexercise program and/or to the exerciser's food consumption so as tomaintain appropriate blood glucose levels while optimizing exercisebenefits.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment 400 in which a workout logis emailed by the exerciser to a medical facility, where it is printedon paper 402 so that it can be reviewed by the exerciser's doctor. As analternative, the workout log 402 can be printed by the exerciser 102 andmailed to the healthcare provider, or brought by the exerciser 102 to amedical appointment. It can also be downloaded to a memory stick or toany other medium that can be readily transferred by the exerciser 102 tothe health care provider, or it can also be transmitted to the healthcare provider by email or any other convenient electronic means.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment 500 in which thecomputer software of the present invention enables a diabetic exerciser102 to use the computer 104 to communicate with an advising professional502. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the exerciser 102 is communicating ina real-time video-chat format. In preferred embodiments, the software isable to transfer data from the workout log to the advising professional,and is also able to receive input from the advising professional and torevise its exercise and dietary suggestions accordingly. The advisingprofessional 502 can be a physical training professional, a health careprovider, or a fitness expert. The exerciser 102 can communicate withthe advising professional 502 using a real-time method such as a chatsession, or by a message-response communication method such as email.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the inventionas claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limitthe invention except as indicated in the following claims.

1. A system for optimizing exercise training of a diabetic exerciser,the system comprising: media containing computer software that is ableto direct the actions of a computer so as to cause the computer toaccept input data regarding a physical status of the exerciser anddetermine therefrom an optimized exercise program for the exerciser; andmedia containing portable device software that is able to direct theactions of a portable electronic device, the portable electronic devicebeing in communication with the computer and with a blood glucosemonitor, the portable device software being able to cause the portableelectronic device to obtain the optimized exercise program from thecomputer, and direct the exerciser in carrying out the optimizedexercise program while the portable electronic device monitors the bloodglucose level of the exerciser and presents to the exerciser informationpertaining thereto.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portableelectronic device is at least one of: an MP3 player; a personal digitalassistant; a blood glucose monitor; a hand-held computer; and a laptopcomputer.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronicdevice is able to communicate with a heart rate monitor while theexerciser is exercising, and the portable device software is able todirect the portable electronic device to monitor the heart rate of theexerciser while the exerciser is exercising and present to the exerciserinformation pertaining thereto.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one of: a computer; a portable electronic device; ablood glucose monitor; a heart rate monitor; and a communication enablerthat enables communication between the portable electronic device and atleast one of a blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is able topresent information to the exerciser at least one of audibly andvisually.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the input data regarding thephysical status of the exerciser includes at least one of age, gender,height, and weight.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computersoftware is able to direct the computer to accept input data pertainingto exercises performed by the exerciser, and to determine therefrom acurrent fitness level of the exerciser.
 8. The system of claim 7 whereindetermining the current fitness level of the exerciser includes using aone-rep-max fitness calculator.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer software is able to direct the computer to accept input dataspecifying exercise equipment available to the exerciser, and todetermine an exercise program that makes optimal use of the availableexercise equipment.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein during anexercise session the portable device software is able to direct theportable electronic device to at least one of: play music to theexerciser; report the exerciser's heart rate to the exerciser; reportthe exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser; report to theexerciser blood glucose parameters; report to the exerciser a total ofcalories burned during the exercise session; and report to the exerciserworkout information indicating types and quantities of exercisesperformed.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable devicesoftware is able to direct the portable electronic device to warn theexerciser if the exerciser's blood glucose level is not within aspecified range.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable devicesoftware is able to direct the portable electronic device to record dataobtained during the exercise session and communicate the data to thecomputer.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the data recorded duringthe exercise session include at least one of: the exerciser's heartrate; the exerciser's blood glucose level; a total of calories burned bythe exerciser; and workout information indicating types and quantitiesof exercises performed.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the computersoftware is able to direct the computer to create and maintain a workoutlog in which at least some data recorded during an exercise session arerecorded.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software isable to direct the computer to: accept nutrition data regarding theexerciser's intake of nutrients at times associated with an exercisesession; and using the nutrition data and data recorded during theexercise session, suggest changes to at least one of an exercise programand a recommended diet for the exerciser.
 16. The system of claim 12,wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer tocommunicate at least some of the data recorded during the exercisesession to a healthcare provider.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer software is able to direct the computer to communicate with anadvising professional that is at least one of a healthcare provider anda physical training professional.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe computer software is able to direct the computer to at least one of:transmit information regarding the exerciser to the advisingprofessional; transmit information regarding the optimized exerciseprogram to the advising professional; transmit data recorded during anexercise session to the advising professional; receive input from theadvising professional regarding at least one of suggested diet changesand suggested exercise changes; and modify at least one of exercisesuggestions and dietary suggestions according to input received from theadvising professional.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the portableelectronic device includes the computer.
 20. The system of claim 1,wherein the portable electronic device includes the blood glucosemonitor.